Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it happens in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.

In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.

The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.

Signs and symptoms

Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.

The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.

The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.

Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos settlement exposure may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos case victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.

Treatment

To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.

It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly because of the long latency period. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it may be similar to other heart diseases and symptoms.

A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.

After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.

Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.